The Sports Xchange
NCAAF Team Report – Arizona State – INSIDE SLANT
Arizona State sent out its seniors in style in its final home game and built momentum for its regular-season finale at Arizona.
And, oh yeah, the Sun Devils got bowl eligible with their sixth win.
Those were all important goals after Arizona State had lost four consecutive games. The Devils took advantage of a weak Washington State team, smacking the Cougars 46-7 and posting a 320-yard edge in total yards (561 to 241).
“Obviously, it was a very emotional day for us, seeing them run out of the tunnel and just how those guys have opened their hearts and this team to me, and to a whole new way of doing things,” coach Todd Graham said.
“That’s how you want to play on senior day.”
Arizona State pretty much dominated from the start, leading 18-0 after the first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Taylor Kelly re-found his efficiency, completing 20 of 23 passes for 246 yards and four touchdowns.
Of course, all that Arizona State did well comes with a caveat: It was only Washington State, which dropped to 2-9 overall and 0-8 in the Pac-12.
Playing at 7-4 Arizona will be a different story in an emotionally charged game, as always. At least the Sun Devils will go feeling better about themselves.
“This whole week at practice was dedicated to the seniors and all of the hard work they put in,” said freshman RB D.J. Foster.
“Coach Graham talked about how important it was. We still have a big game ahead of us but we all dedicated it to the seniors. Everything we did today was for the seniors.”
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NCAAF Team Report – Arizona State – NOTES, QUOTES
WHAT’S AHEAD: Arizona State has lost three of four to Arizona, winning in double overtime in 2010 when it blocked two extra points — one at the end of regulation that would have won it for the Wildcats and another at the end of the second overtime. The Devils are bowl eligible but are currently at the bottom end of the pecking order in the Pac-12, which will send eight teams to the postseason. ASU could get squeezed out of the league’s seven allotted slots, but there is still much to be determined. Obviously, a win over Arizona could move them up, and ASU also will be rooting for the Pac-12 to send two teams to the BCS.
–Arizona State rushed for 260 yards against a porous Washington State defense, and that’s just how coach Todd Graham likes it. He wants to be known as a run-first outfit, and he’s well on his way. ASU is averaging 183.6 yards per game rushing, which is the school’s best figure in the past 25 seasons.
–How much has Arizona State dominated Washington State in Tempe? The Devils have won the past three meetings by a combined score of 112-7.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Arizona State’s defense asserted itself against Washington State, shutting down the Air Raid attack of coach Mike Leach. The Cougs gained just 241 total yards — only one on the ground after ASU’s seven sacks were factored in. ASU had a shutout into the final minute, when WSU scored on a 54-yard pass. “We want to establish this place as a place where people want to come and play defense, play a certain way,” coach Todd Graham said. “We do it aggressively; we attack and get after it. … I was furious at the end that our twos let them score at the end like that, because that team deserved a shutout.” This week’s challenge will be a much more balanced Arizona team, one that put up 320 yards on the ground vs. Utah on Saturday.
LOOKING GOOD: Coach Todd Graham has turned around the discipline in the program. After years of finishing last or near last nationally in terms of penalties, Arizona State is fifth in the nation in fewest penalty yards per game (31.18) and is tied for 10th in fewest penalties (4.18 per game). That kind of clean play and control of emotions should come in handy this week in a heated rivalry against Arizona.
STILL NEEDS WORK: PK Jon Mora took over the field goal duties from Alex Garoutte a few games ago, but does he really inspire confidence? He made a 21-yard field goal against Washington State but later missed from 31 yards. Considering how close the Arizona-Arizona State rivalry has been in recent years (the game was decided on kicks in 2009 and 2010), Mora could be in the pressure-cooker on Friday night in Tucson. How will he respond?
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s up right now, after the game. I like that. I’m ready for them. I’m amped up right now. Let’s get it going.” — Senior LB Brandon Magee, on a “Beat the Cats” banner in the ASU weight room.
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NCAAF Team Report – Arizona State – STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
PLAYER NOTES:
–DT Will Sutton had a tackle for loss and forced fumble against Washington State, further making his case for major postseason honors. He has one tackle for loss in each of the 10 games in which he has played this season.
–TE Chris Coyle had two touchdown catches among his three receptions against Washington State. He is up to 51 receptions this season, tops on ASU, and that total ranks third among tight ends in school history. He needs five more to tie the school record of 56, set by Zach Miller in 2004.
–QB Taylor Kelly completed his final 18 passes against Washington State, setting a school mark for consecutive completions in a single game (the old mark was 13 set by Dick Mackey in 1952). “Taylor does a great job,” coach Todd Graham said. “I thought he settled down today and played well.”
ROSTER REPORT
–RG Andrew Sampson, a senior, was back in the starting lineup against Washington State after missing three starts because of injury.
–DT Mike Pennel has been suspended for a third team this season. He has missed six games because of discipline handed out by coach Todd Graham.
–True freshman S Laiu Moeakiola won’t play again this season because of hamstring problems, coach Todd Graham said. He played in three games in September but hasn’t seen the field since then.
–Senior DT Corey Adams, who missed most of preseason practice because of back problems, has not played this season and might have to call it a career. He does have a redshirt year available.
–Freshman LB Carlos Mendoza is out for the rest of the season because of a shoulder injury suffered against Illinois on Sept. 8. He is eligible for a medical redshirt.
–Sophomore CB Rashad Wadood (torn labrum) is out for the season and will be able to take a redshirt.
–LB Israel Marshall, a redshirt freshman, is sitting out this season because of back and spine problems.
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